Tulsa Local Pulse: Stormy weather, tragic accident, and community updates

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 6, 2025. We’re waking up to unsettled weather across Tulsa this morning, as rounds of thunderstorms move through the area. Expect periods of heavy rain, with more storms possible late this afternoon and into the evening. There is a flash flood risk, especially in low-lying areas and along the Arkansas River, so let’s all be extra cautious on the roads today. Temperatures will hover in the upper 60s, and while the storms may let up briefly during the afternoon, keep an eye out for more heavy rain overnight and tomorrow. Turning to breaking news, our Tulsa community is mourning after a tragic accident in Kansas claimed the life of Booker T. Washington High School student DJ Laster, along with several others connected to area schools and basketball teams. Counselors are on hand at Booker T. Washington and Bartlesville schools, offering support as students and staff process this heartbreaking loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to all the families and friends affected by this devastating event. City Hall is preparing for tomorrow’s Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission meeting, with a focus on possible amendments to the land use plan along Highway 75. These discussions could impact development all the way from North to South Tulsa County and may shape the look and feel of our neighborhoods in the years ahead. In community news, downtown Tulsa is seeing signs of life with new businesses opening up and some long-standing favorites getting a facelift. If you’re near Cherry Street this week, keep an eye out for two new restaurants launching their soft openings and a few pop-up shops testing the waters ahead of summer. The local job market remains steady, with about a thousand positions posted across Tulsa County this week. Healthcare, tech support, and skilled trades are leading the way in hiring. In real estate, median home prices around Midtown are trending just above 240,000 dollars, while West Tulsa still holds some bargains for first-time buyers. Let’s look at upcoming events. Tulsa’s Mayfest rolls back into downtown this weekend, promising live music, local art, and food trucks from Friday through Sunday. Over at Guthrie Green, tonight’s sunset concert is weather-permitting, so double-check before heading out. For families, the Gathering Place is hosting STEM Discovery Day on Saturday. In local sports, the Union High School soccer team clinched a spot in the state semifinals after a dramatic win last night, and Edison Prep’s baseball team advances in the playoffs with a shutout victory at LaFortune Park. Crime-wise, Tulsa Police responded to a brazen break-in at a convenience store near Admiral and Sheridan just after midnight. Officers quickly made two arrests and recovered stolen property. No injuries were reported, but police remind us to stay alert, especially in active weather. Let’s end on a positive note. Volunteers from Church on the Move spent yesterday helping clean u This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.